IslamabadToday (Staff Reporter):
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically rejected the allegations that members of the Hindu community were denied entry into Pakistan, calling such claims “baseless, misleading, and politically motivated.”
Responding to media queries, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mr. Tahir Hussain Andrabi said that the accusations represent yet another attempt to distort facts and politicize a routine administrative matter.
Mr. Andrabi explained that the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi had issued over 2,400 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji from November 4 to 13, 2025.
“On November 4, a total of 1,932 pilgrims successfully crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border,” the Spokesperson stated. “It is pertinent to note that approximately 300 visa holders were prevented by the Indian authorities from crossing over.”
The Foreign Office clarified that the immigration process on the Pakistani side was smooth, orderly, and unhindered. However, a very small number of individuals were found to have incomplete documentation and could not provide satisfactory responses to immigration authorities, due to which they were asked to return as per standard immigration procedures.
“To suggest that these individuals were denied entry on religious grounds is completely incorrect and mischievous,” the Spokesperson emphasized. “Pakistan has always welcomed pilgrims of all faiths to visit its sacred religious sites under a well-established and facilitative framework.”
He added that the action taken was purely administrative and consistent with Pakistan’s sovereign right to regulate entry into its territory.
The Foreign Office also denounced attempts to give the issue a communal or political colour, describing it as “regrettable and reflective of the prejudiced mindset that increasingly dominates Indian government and media narratives.”
